WATCH | Arsenal Away Fans Steal the Show: Unforgettable Celebrations at Selhurst Park After Martinelli's Goal

As Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli scored Arsenal's 4-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, the Gunners fans began to celebrate by singing Jingle Bells to show their delight at the win and also at the approach of Christmas.

Gabriel Martinelli: The Young Brazilian Star Lighting Up the Premier League

Gabriel Martinelli, born on 18th June 2001 in Guarulhos, Brazil, is one of the most exciting young talents in world football. A player whose blend of flair, speed, and relentless work ethic has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike, Martinelli’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. As of 2025, the Brazilian winger is an integral part of Arsenal's attacking setup and is widely regarded as one of the best young players in the Premier League.

Early Years: A Rising Star from Brazil

Martinelli's journey to professional football began in his home country, where he played for local club Corinthians at a young age. His skill set was clear early on — quick, direct, and with a natural ability to find the back of the net. His performances for the Corinthians youth teams led to his first-team debut at the age of 16, where he quickly caught the eye with his raw talent. Despite being a forward, Martinelli's willingness to track back and his tireless running made him stand out from other young Brazilian talents.

In 2019, his potential was noticed by European scouts, and he made the move to Arsenal. Initially, his move to the Premier League was met with some skepticism, as many young players struggle to adapt to the intensity of English football. However, Martinelli wasted no time proving his critics wrong. He settled into Arsenal’s first team with ease, showcasing his exceptional technique, dribbling ability, and eye for goal. His fearless approach to the game, combined with his innate ability to pick up key positions in the final third, made him a standout in the early stages of his Arsenal career.

Breakthrough at Arsenal

Since joining Arsenal, Martinelli has developed into one of the most promising talents in the Premier League. His first major breakthrough came during the 2019-2020 season when he caught the attention of manager Mikel Arteta with his energetic performances, particularly in the FA Cup. Martinelli played a key role in Arsenal's successful FA Cup run, scoring a stunning goal in the final against Chelsea. His movement off the ball, combined with his ability to finish with either foot, made him a threat to opposition defenders from the very first game.

As the seasons progressed, Martinelli continued to impress with his consistency and versatility. Arteta often deployed him on the left wing, but Martinelli has shown his adaptability, being able to play across the forward line. His pace, combined with his dribbling and quick decision-making, has made him a key figure in Arsenal’s attack. More importantly, Martinelli’s tactical awareness and his high work rate off the ball have made him an asset in Arteta’s pressing system, where defensive contributions from attackers are just as important as offensive ones.

By 2025, Martinelli has become a central figure in Arsenal’s forward line. His role has evolved under Arteta, where he is not only expected to score goals but also create chances and provide depth to the team’s offensive fluidity. His ability to stretch defences, make intelligent runs, and create space for others has made him one of the most well-rounded wingers in Europe.

International Recognition: Brazil’s Bright Future

On the international stage, Martinelli’s talent has not gone unnoticed. He made his debut for the Brazilian national team in 2020, and his rapid rise through the ranks of Brazil’s footballing system has made him one of the key figures in their attacking unit. His ability to perform on the international stage, coupled with his performances in major club tournaments, has made him a regular fixture in Brazil’s squads for international competitions.

By 2025, Martinelli has firmly established himself as one of Brazil's brightest prospects, often playing alongside established stars like Neymar and Vinícius Júnior. His versatility allows him to play both as a winger or in a more central attacking role, giving Brazil a dynamic option in the final third. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, many are expecting Martinelli to play a starring role for Brazil, further cementing his place as one of the next global superstars of the game.

The Versatility and Development of Martinelli

One of Martinelli's most notable traits is his versatility. Though primarily a winger, his tactical awareness allows him to drift into central positions and link up play, which makes him a fluid part of Arsenal’s attack. His understanding of space and movement is already at a level beyond his years, and his ability to score goals from a variety of positions adds to his value as an attacking player. Whether it’s cutting inside onto his stronger foot or making runs behind the defense, Martinelli’s unpredictability in the final third makes him a nightmare for defenders to handle.

Additionally, Martinelli’s work rate is one of his defining qualities. He presses from the front with intensity, and his tireless runs create opportunities for his teammates to exploit. This defensive contribution is a hallmark of Arteta’s style of play, and Martinelli has embraced the demands of the high-pressing game. His willingness to put in the hard work, even when the team is without the ball, has earned him praise from his manager and his teammates alike.

Looking to the Future

At just 24 years old in 2025, Gabriel Martinelli is entering the prime of his career, and the potential for further growth is immense. With a mixture of raw talent, dedication, and the right environment under Arteta, there is no limit to what he can achieve in the years to come. His technical ability, combined with his work ethic and footballing intelligence, positions him as one of the top wingers in world football.

As Arsenal continues to challenge for top honors in the Premier League and Europe, Martinelli’s role will only become more crucial. His performances could very well be the key to unlocking more success for the Gunners in the coming seasons, whether in domestic competitions or on the continental stage.

Moreover, as the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws nearer, Martinelli will be a key figure for Brazil. Given his blend of flair and hard work, he is poised to become one of the standout performers of the tournament.

Conclusion

Gabriel Martinelli is a player with the world at his feet. From his breakout season at Arsenal to his growing stature in Brazilian football, the 2025 version of Martinelli is already among the brightest young stars in the game. As he continues to develop, both at club level with Arsenal and internationally with Brazil, the future looks incredibly promising for this talented and versatile forward. Gabriel Martinelli’s journey is just beginning, and the next few years could see him become one of the defining players of his generation.